What is tDCS?

tDCS stands for Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and is a form of neurostimulation (also known as neuromodulation) where very low levels of constant current are delivered to specifically targeted areas of the brain, often producing profound results. It was originally developed to help patients with brain injuries such as strokes, however tests on healthy adults demonstrated that tDCS can increase cognitive performance on a variety of tasks, depending on the area of the brain being stimulated. Scientific studies have shown that tDCS has the ability to enhance language and mathematical ability, attention span, problem solving, memory, and coordination. In addition, tDCS has also been documented as having impressive potential to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, as well as chronic pain.

The Human Brain

To really understand tDCS, you must understand the human brain. The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, comprised of an intricate network of BILLIONS of nerve cells, called neurons. These special cells control and react to everything that happens in our bodies. The neurons in your brain communicate to each other using tiny electrical, and chemical impulses called synapses. Electrical synapses, unlike chemical synapses, conduct nerve impulses faster (approximately 10 times faster), causing vital information to pass from neuron to neuron more quickly.

In other words, tDCS allows you to unlock your brain’s true potential

How long do effects from tDCS last?
The immediate effects usually last anywhere from 5 to 90 minutes after the end of the stimulation session. Some research has shown that repetitive stimulation, for example on a daily basis for one week, can educe longer lasting, and more “ingrained” effects. Additionally, a study on depression found that the beneficial effects of tDCS stimulation were shown to be apparent an entire month after the treatment (link). Furthermore, one study (considered anecdotal, not yet confirmed) recorded a lasting cognitive enhancement effect resulting from Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ONE YEAR after the initial stimulation study (link).

How much power should I use?
Because this technology is fairly new, it’s always recommended to refer to scientific studies. The vast majority of studies conducted with this technology utilize current within the 0.5 – 2.0mA range, as do our tDCS devices. In our research it seems that current levels below 0.5mA (milliamps) may not produce noticeable results, while levels above 2mA do not have enough clinical research to be considered acceptable and safe. Depending on the application, it is generally understood that when higher levels of current are used (i.e. 2mA vs 0.5mA) during a tDCS sessions, the stimulation will produce greater effects (link).

How do I know where to position the electrodes?
The great thing about tDCS is that there’s not just one placement! Research has shown that tDCS can produce a variety of affect depending on what areas of the brain are stimulated. To learn more about the different positions, you should familiarize yourself with positioning codes, such as the International 10-20 System. As you begin researching different montages (aka electrode placements), it will help to refer to the 10-20 chart to understand what locations the author is discussing. While it is easy to visually estimate electrode placement based on the International 10-20 System, or by using online tDCS montage guides, precise positioning is recommended when possible. Precise positioning involves measuring distances on your head using anatomical landmarks. A good guide on this can be found here. It’s also good to familiarize yourself with the names and basic functions of the various cortexes of the brain. The more you know, the more you grow!

What are montages and protocols?For a complete list of tDCS terminology, see tDCS terms & definitions.
Montages are the many different possible tDCS positions of both the anode and cathode electrodes on the body. The Protocol is actually a combination of the tDCS montage (electrode position) being used, the current level being used, and the total duration of the session. The most widely researched protocol is anodal (red, positive electrode) stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC – F3), and cathode (black, negative electrode) positioned on the right prefrontal cortex (Fp2), located on the forehead above the right eyebrow, using 1mA of current for 20 minutes. This montage has been shown to improve many cognitive functions such as working memory, impulse control, reasoning, and learning.

What are some montages and the uses?
There are many websites which provide information on tDCS montages, electrode placement instructions, and types of effects to be expected. In particular we recommend Total tDCS as it has 3D graphics which makes estimating electrode placement much easier.

You can find links to other helpful sites in the sidebar on the right of this page. The Brain Stimulator, Inc. is not responsible for any information located on external websites. The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images and other material are intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Although we work to keep the information on this site as up to date and accurate as possible, The Brain Stimulator, Inc. disclaims any warranty concerning its accuracy, timeliness and completeness of content, and any other warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

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The Brain Stimulator tDCS products are not medical devices and therefore have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. The Brain Stimulator Inc. does not claim to diagnose, assist, treat, improve, cure, or prevent any medical condition or ailment whatsoever. The Brain Stimulator Inc. does not make any claims or recommendations with the sale of their products. You should not use Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) if you have any metal or electrical implants such as a pacemaker, or if you have a history of seizures. Do not use tDCS unless you have a firm understanding of the technology, and have spoken with your primary care physician regarding any risks or concerns. By using this website you agree that you understand and agree to these terms and conditions as well as our privacy policy